JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has issued a warned of phishing scams via text messages and emails pertaining power outages during the events of Winter Storm Fern.
TVA issued an official public alert Saturday, Jan. 24, about the scams, which scammers send in fake text messages and emails to Tennesseans regarding power outages connected to the agency or other power companies. TVA clarified that the agency never sends out messages or emails regarding any outages or current conditions within local power grids.
If a resident receives a text or email claiming to be from the agency or another local utility company, it is more likely from a scammer attempting to steal information from the user via a link which would send the user directly to a phishing site.
TVA stated to always check the official website for any updates and conditions surrounding local power, in addition to avoid any suspicious links or messages sent directly to any device in order to avoid becoming the latest victim within a phishing scam.